EC Medical Foundation marks 34 years of service

In 1974, a group of business, civic and medical community leaders recognized the need to update and modernize the health care facilities in El Campo. In July 1974, the El Campo Medical Foundation was formed, a non-profit charitable organization, for the purpose of raising funds to finance the development of a new hospital.

The Foundation, through a professional fundraising firm, initiated a program which resulted in $1,800,000 in pledges, land and cash. The program was instrumental in building El Campo Memorial Hospital and creating the Hospital Authority. El Campo Memorial Hospital was built and began operations on March 31, 1979. This goal was accomplished through the efforts of the El Campo Medical Foundation.

"After almost 34 years this group is still raising funds and supporting health care in our area," Steve Gularte, CEO El Campo Memorial Hospital, said.

The most recent project that the group is working on is the building of a new dialysis center to be located adjacent from Mid Coast Medical Clinic. With the collaboration of El Campo Memorial Hospital, the Medical Foundation and Dr. Irving Gold, the project is scheduled to break ground in March.

"We are so excited about this addition to our health care complex. The addition of Dr. Jud Severson, husband of Dr. Sarah Wendel Severson who will be joining the Mid Coast Medical Clinic group in August 2008, along with Dr. Irving Gold, will certainly benefit the patients of our area," added Gularte.

The current El Campo Medical Foundation Board of Directors consists of Edmund Weinheimer (vice president), Richard Young, Billy Rioux and Diane Bueltel, whose terms will end in 2009. Also, Mike Appling (treasurer), Becky VonDerAu and Randy Clapp, whose terms end in 2010; Ronnie Collins, Melvin Parker, Jr., L.G. Raun, Jr. (president) and Joyce Henderson, whose terms end in 2011. Lastly, Abby Goerig and Jake Brodsgaard, who serve as advisory committee and their terms will end in 2011. Also, serving as assistant secretary/treasurer is Cathy Krenek.

Through the years, the El Campo Medical Foundation has continued to raise funds and provide assistance to El Campo Memorial Hospital and Mid Coast Medical Clinic. To date, some of the items they have purchased include a laser imager, telemetry system, anesthesia machines and update of radiology equipment and furniture. The group was also very instrumental in the recent addition and the remodeling of Mid Coast Medical Clinic. With the completion of one project, the group is willing and ready to tackle another new project in the hopes to make El Campo Memorial Hospital the best health care facility in our area.

The El Campo Medical Foundation receives local funding through donations that individuals can make on someone's behalf. Donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to El Campo Medical Foundation Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1327, El Campo, Tx. 77437. Special envelopes are also available and can be picked up at J. Michael Appling and Associates located at 601 E. Jackson. Individuals may call Cathy Krenek at 979- 543-5388 for more information or to make arrangements to pick up envelopes or make a donation.

The El Campo Medical Foundation is very active and continues to serve the needs of the hospital.

"We felt that this group deserves a big pat on the back for their accomplishments over the many years. Their hard work and efforts may go unnoticed to the general public and we wanted to acknowledge all good that they have done over the years and continue to do today," Gularte said.

The El Campo Medical Foundation wants to encourage individuals to continue to contribute to the Memorial Fund, which in turn will benefit El Campo Memorial Hospital.